Wreaths stolen from Derry Cenotaph in suspected sectarian hate crime
Male suspect seen fleeing towards Butcher Street following late-night theft at The Diamond
Police in Derry are appealing for witnesses after it was reported four wreaths were stolen from The Cenotaph in The Diamond on Wednesday night, July 1.
A PSNI spokesperson said that it’s believed this occurred sometime between 9.45pm and 10.10pm on Wednesday night.
A male suspect was seen running towards Butcher Street.
This is being investigated as a sectarian hate crime, and police appeal to anyone with information to call 101, quoting reference 1931 of 01/07/26.
Police also appeal to anyone who may have been driving through the area between these times, with dash cam, to check their footage, or who witnessed the theft to report online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/
DUP Foyle MLA Julie Middleton has condemned the theft of wreaths from the Cenotaph following the remembrance service to mark the Battle of the Somme, describing the incident as “a disgraceful act of disrespect.”
Mrs Middleton said: “It is deeply disappointing, although sadly not surprising, that following what was a dignified and respectful remembrance service at the Cenotaph, someone entered the memorial, kicked over the wreaths that had been laid and stole four of them.
“Those wreaths were placed in memory of men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. To target a war memorial in this way is an act of contempt, not simply towards the organisations that laid the wreaths, but towards the memory of those who gave their lives.
“I am also aware of reports that images of the stolen wreaths have since been shared on social media. If these reports are accurate, it only serves to compound the hurt caused to veterans, serving personnel, their families and the wider community.
“Regardless of political opinion or constitutional aspiration, there should be a basic standard of decency and respect for places of remembrance. The Cenotaph should never become the target of vandalism, theft or political point-scoring.
“I hope those responsible are identified and held accountable. Acts such as this have no place in a shared society and deserve to be unequivocally condemned.”
SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has appealed for the stolen wreaths to be returned to Derry’s Cenotaph.
Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said: “The Cenotaph at the heart of our city contains the names of people from all over Derry who lost their lives in the first world war. It’s really disheartening that following the Battle of the Somme Commemoration that someone has seen fit to remove these wreaths, causing great upset to members of our community.
“I would urge whoever did this to return the wreaths immediately. Respect costs nothing and our city has always led the way when it comes to accommodating different traditions and showing that we can live together peacefully.
“As we approach the summer months I would urge young people not to get caught up in tit-for-tat sectarian or anti-social behaviour and appeal to parents to ensure their children do not get involved in any disorder.
“There is so much to be positive about in Derry at the minute and the last thing we want is for incidents like this to create unnecessary tension or hold us back.”